New Visitors Guide to the Falkland Islands Falklands Conservation has launched a high quality handbook to promote eco-tourism in the Falkland Islands. Entitled "A Visitor’s Guide to the Falkland Islands" it will become an essential companion for tour leaders and visitors to the Islands’ main wildlife tourist attractions, where sea mammals, penguins, albatross and many other species abound. Written by Falkland Islander Debbie Summers, the Guide contains a comprehensive full colour insight to each of the Islands’ top 15 destinations complete with detailed maps, wildlife statistics, geology, outlined nature trails as well as conservation guidelines. In addition, it contains fascinating personal stories and histories relating to the sites. Photography has been donated by a number of respected amateurs and professionals, including award-winning wildlife photographer Kevin Schafer. The Royal Geographical Society in London provided the launch venue for the Guide on 14 November with Ben Fogle, star of the BBC’s "Castaway" programme, as guest-of-honour. Ben visited the Islands in March this year. Left to right: Sukey Cameron, Ben Fogle, Becky Ingham (Falklands Conservation), John Fowler (FITB) and Debbie Summers The guide costs £9 plus £1.50 postage and packing and can be obtained from Falklands Conservation, No.1 Princes Avenue, London N3 2DA T: 020 8343 0831 or it can be purchased online at www.falklandsconservation.com. Falkland Islands Signs Environment Charter The Falkland Islands has adopted an Environment Charter to protect and enhance the environment of the Islands. This was signed by Councillor Mike Summers, representing the Falkland Islands Government, and Baroness Amos, the Minister responsible for UK Overseas Territories at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Falkland Representation Abroad Before the Islands’ General Election, Legislative Councillors Sharon Halford and Jan Cheek and the Falkland Islands UK Representative, Sukey Cameron, were at the Labour and Conservative Party Conferences. At the Labour Conference, a short meeting was held with the new Foreign Office Minister with responsibility for the Islands, Dr. Denis McShane MP, and at the Tory Conference, Falkland representatives were introduced to the new Party Leader, the Rt. Hon. Ian Duncan-Smith MP. Falkland Islands Councillors, Bill Luxton and Mike Summers, also represented the Islands at the annual Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Australia in September. Left to right: Sukey Cameron, Sharon Halford, the Rt. Hon. Geoff Hoon MP, Secretary of State for Defence, Jan Cheek at the Labour Party Conferance Fishing Industry Update The economy of the Falkland Islands has changed enormously since the establishment of the controlled fishing zones in 1986. Revenues from fishing licences are currently running at about £27 million per annum and GNP has risen from about £5 million in 1980 to over £55 million in 2000. Conservationists regard the regime as a model of its type and over £5 million is spent annually on research and protection. Many Falkland Islands businesses are involved in the fishing industry and there are now 26 fishing vessels on the Falkland Islands Register. The 20th meeting of the South Atlantic Fisheries Commission took place in Buenos Aires in late November. A number of issues were discussed including the results from the recent joint cruise on Southern Blue Whiting.

For further information on any aspect of the Falkland Islands please visit: www.falklandislands.com www.falklands.gov.fk

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